U.S. patent application number 16/158495 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-07 for pulse wave detection device and biological information measuring device.
The applicant listed for this patent is OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Reiji FUJITA, Shingo YAMASHITA.
Application Number | 20190038139 16/158495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60042452 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190038139 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FUJITA; Reiji ; et
al. |
February 7, 2019 |
PULSE WAVE DETECTION DEVICE AND BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION MEASURING
DEVICE
Abstract
A pulse wave detector includes a body portion; a band which is
wound around a wrist while the band is engaged with the body
portion; a first engaging portion with which a basal end portion in
a longitudinal direction of the band is engaged; a second engaging
portion with which an arbitrary position in the longitudinal
direction of the band is engaged while the band is folded back; and
an engagement member which causes a tip end portion in the
longitudinal direction of the band to be engaged with the basal end
portion or the first end portion while the basal end portion and
the tip end portion overlap with each other. A tip end of the tip
end portion is directed from an opposed surface of the body portion
to the wrist to an opposite surface of the body portion.
Inventors: |
FUJITA; Reiji; (Muko-shi,
JP) ; YAMASHITA; Shingo; (Muko-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OMRON HEALTHCARE CO., LTD. |
Kyoto |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
60042452 |
Appl. No.: |
16/158495 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2017/012701 |
Mar 28, 2017 |
|
|
|
16158495 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/02438 20130101;
A61B 5/022 20130101; A61B 5/6831 20130101; A61B 5/681 20130101;
A61B 5/6824 20130101; A61B 2560/0406 20130101; A61B 5/02141
20130101; A61B 5/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 5/022 20060101
A61B005/022; A61B 5/021 20060101 A61B005/021 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 13, 2016 |
JP |
2016-080321 |
Claims
1. A pulse wave detector which is used while being attached to a
wrist of a measurement subject, the pulse wave detector comprising:
a body portion which includes a detecting section configured to
detect a pulse wave from a radial artery of the measurement
subject; a band which is configured to be wound around the wrist in
a state where the band is engaged with the body portion, so as to
maintain a state where the detecting section is opposed to the
radial artery; a first engaging portion which is disposed on a
first end portion that is one of end portions of the body portion
on a side of an ulna of the wrist in a circumferential direction of
the wrist, and with which a basal end portion in a longitudinal
direction of the band is engaged; a second engaging portion which
is disposed on a second end portion that is one of the end portions
of the body portion on a side of a radius of the wrist in the
circumferential direction, and with which an arbitrary position in
the longitudinal direction of the band engaged with the first
engaging portion is engaged in a state where the band is folded
back in a direction to be separated from the body portion; and an
engagement member which is configured to cause a tip end portion in
the longitudinal direction of the band to be engaged with the basal
end portion or the first end portion in a state where the basal end
portion engaged with the first engaging portion and the tip end
portion of the band engaged with the second engaging portion
overlap with each other, wherein the tip end portion is engaged
with the basal end portion or the first end portion through the
engagement member in a state where a tip end of the tip end portion
is directed from a side of an opposed surface of the body portion
to the wrist, to a side of a surface of the body portion which is
opposite to the opposed surface.
2. The pulse wave detector according to claim 1, wherein the first
engaging portion includes a H-shaped member with which the basal
end portion is engaged in a folded back state and disposed on the
first end portion and on the side of the opposite surface.
3. The pulse wave detector according to claim 1, wherein the basal
end portion of the band is folded back in the first engaging
portion to be stacked and a stacked state is releasable.
4. The pulse wave detector according to claim 3, wherein the basal
end portion of the band is engaged in a state of being folded back
in a direction to be separated from the first end portion.
5. The pulse wave detector according to claim 1, wherein the
detecting section is configured to detect a pressure pulse wave
from the radial artery by using a pressure detecting element.
6. A biometric information measurement device comprising: the pulse
wave detector according to claim 1; and a biometric information
calculating section which is configured to calculate biometric
information based on the pulse wave detected by the detecting
section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Continuation of International Patent Application
No. PCT/JP2017/012701 filed Mar. 28, 2017, which claims the benefit
of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-080321 filed Apr. 13, 2016.
The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby incorporated
by reference herein in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Aspects of the present invention relate to a pulse wave
detector and a biometric information measurement device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] A biometric information measurement device is known that, in
a state where a pressure sensor is directly contacted with a living
body portion through which an artery such as the radial artery in
the wrist passes, can measure biometric information such as the
pulse rate or the blood pressure by using a pressure pulse wave
detected by the pressure sensor (for example, see Patent Literature
1 (JP-A-H8-256998), Patent Literature 2 (JP-A-2002-224098) and
Patent Literature 3 (JP-T-H6-507563)).
[0004] A blood pressure measurement device disclosed in Patent
Literature 1 calculates a blood pressure vale by using a cuff in a
portion different from a living body portion with which a pressure
sensor is contacted, and produces calibration data from the
calculated blood pressure value. Then, the blood pressure
measurement device calibrates a pressure pulse wave detected by a
pressure pulse wave sensor which is attached to the wrist, with the
calibration data, thereby calculating the blood pressure value for
every pulse. The pressure pulse wave sensor has a configuration
where the sensor is accommodated in a housing, and the housing is
secured to the wrist with a band.
[0005] Each of pressure pulse wave sensors disclosed in Patent
Literatures 2 and 3 has a housing which accommodates a pressure
detecting element, and a band in which a basal end portion is
engaged with the housing. The pressure pulse wave sensor is
attached to the wrist of a measurement subject by causing the band
to be wound around the wrist in a state where the housing is placed
so that the pressure detecting element is opposed to an artery in
the wrist, and a tip end portion of the band to be engaged with the
housing.
[0006] Pulse wave detectors each of which is attached to the wrist,
and detects a pulse wave from an artery in the wrist, such as those
exemplified in Patent Literatures 1 to 3 are required to have
superior attachability to the wrist, and accuracy of positional
alignment between a pulse wave detecting section and the
artery.
[0007] In the pressure pulse wave sensor disclosed in Patent
Literature 2, the band is once folded back in a ring disposed in a
portion of the housing on the side of the ulna, from the palm of
the measurement subject toward the back of the hand, and a tip end
portion of the folded back band is pulled toward the back of the
hand. Then, the sensor is attached to the wrist by coupling the
pulled tip end portion to a hook and loop fastener disposed on the
band. In the configuration where attachment is performed by pulling
the tip end portion of the band from the palm side of the
measurement subject toward the back of the hand as described above,
the measurement subject needs to be accustomed to attachment.
[0008] In the pressure pulse wave sensor disclosed in Patent
Literature 2, a procedure is assumed in which the measurement
subject places the arm on a table so that the back of the hand is
opposed to the table, then the housing is placed so that the
pressure detecting element is opposed to the radial artery, and
thereafter the band is fastened. In the procedure, when the band is
to be fastened, the measurement subject needs to perform an
operation of slightly raising the arm. Therefore, there is a
possibility that this operation may cause positional displacement
of the pressure detecting element with respect to the radial
artery.
[0009] When the wrist of the measurement subject is divided into
halves in a direction perpendicular to the running direction of the
radial artery, the pressure detecting element is placed on the side
of the thumb of the measurement subject. When the band is to be
fastened, the tip end portion of the band which is folded back in
the ring that is disposed on the side of the little finger of the
measurement subject is pulled toward the palm. Therefore, there is
a possibility that a force which is applied to the wrist when the
band is pulled acts more strongly on the side of the little finger
than on the thumb side, and positional displacement of the pressure
detecting element that is placed on the side of the thumb may be
caused.
[0010] In the pressure pulse wave sensor disclosed in Patent
Literature 3, the sensor is attached to the wrist by pulling a tip
end portion of the band engaged with the housing from the back of
the hand of the measurement subject toward the palm, and causing
the tip end portion to engaging with the housing. Therefore, the
above-discussed problems with respect to Patent Literature 2 can be
solved. In the band structure disclosed in Patent Literature 3, the
band is singly wound around the wrist of the measurement subject.
Therefore, the attachment stability is low, and there is a
possibility that, after attachment, positional displacement of the
pulse wave detecting section may occur.
[0011] Patent Literature 1 fails to specifically describe the
manner of winding the band around the wrist to secure the pressure
pulse wave sensor to the wrist. Although, here, the problems of the
devices for detecting a pressure pulse wave from the radial artery
have been described, similar problems occur also in a device or the
like which detects a pulse wave from the radial artery by using,
for example, a photoelectric sensor.
SUMMARY
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention address the above
disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. However,
the present invention is not required to overcome the disadvantages
described above, and thus, an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention may not overcome any of the problems described above.
[0013] A pulse wave detector according to an embodiment of the
present invention is used while being attached to a wrist of a
measurement subject and includes: a body portion which includes a
detecting section configured to detect a pulse wave from a radial
artery of the measurement subject; a band which is configured to be
wound around the wrist in a state where the band is engaged with
the body portion, so as to maintain a state where the detecting
section is opposed to the radial artery a first engaging portion
which is disposed on a first end portion that is one of end
portions of the body portion on a side of an ulna of the wrist in a
circumferential direction of the wrist, and with which a basal end
portion in a longitudinal direction of the band is engaged; a
second engaging portion which is disposed on a second end portion
that is one of the end portions of the body portion on a side of a
radius of the wrist in the circumferential direction, and with
which an arbitrary position in the longitudinal direction of the
band engaged with the first engaging portion is engaged in a state
where the band is folded back in a direction to be separated from
the body portion; and an engagement member which is configured to
cause a tip end portion in the longitudinal direction of the band
to be engaged with the basal end portion or the first end portion
in a state where the basal end portion engaged with the first
engaging portion and the tip end portion of the band engaged with
the second engaging portion overlap with each other, wherein the
tip end portion is engaged with the basal end portion or the first
end portion through the engagement member in a state where a tip
end of the tip end portion is directed from a side of an opposed
surface of the body portion to the wrist, to a side of a surface of
the body portion which is opposite to the opposed surface.
[0014] A biometric information measurement device according to an
embodiment of the present invention includes the above pulse wave
detector; and a biometric information calculating section which is
configured to calculate biometric information based on the pulse
wave detected by the detecting section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The above and other aspects of the present invention will
become more apparent and more readily appreciated from the
following description of embodiments of the present invention taken
in conjunction with the attached drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the
external configuration of a biometric information measurement
device 10 of a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the biometric information
measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the side of the
elbow of the left hand of a measurement subject.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a view of the vicinity of a first engaging portion
29 of the biometric information measurement device 10 shown in FIG.
2, as seen from the side of a display surface 23 of a housing
20.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of a biometric information measurement
device 11 which is a modification of the biometric information
measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the side of the
elbow of the left hand of the measurement subject.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of a biometric information measurement
device 12 which is a modification of the biometric information
measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the side of the
elbow of the left hand of the measurement subject.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of a biometric information measurement
device 13 which is a modification of the biometric information
measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the side of the
elbow of the left hand of the measurement subject.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a view showing a modification of a body portion of
the biometric information measurement device 10 shown in FIG.
1.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the
external configuration of a biometric information measurement
device 10 of a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 1, the biometric information measurement device 10 is used
while being attached to the wrist W of the left hand H of a
measurement subject. FIG. 2 is a side view of the biometric
information measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the
side (the direction A in FIG. 1) of the elbow of the left hand H of
the measurement subject.
[0025] The biometric information measurement device 10 has: a
housing 20 which constitutes a body portion including a pulse wave
detecting section 22 that can detect a pulse wave (a pressure pulse
wave or a volume pulse wave) from the radial artery TD extending
along the radius T in the wrist W of the measurement subject, and
which is formed of a metal or a resin; a band 40 which is engaged
with the housing 20.
[0026] The pulse wave detecting section 22 may have a known
configuration. For example, the pulse wave detecting section 22 has
a pressure sensor, and a mechanism which presses it against the
skin, and detects a pressure pulse wave by using the pressure
sensor. Alternatively, the pulse wave detecting section 22 has a
photoelectric sensor, and detects a volume pulse wave from a signal
detected by the photoelectric sensor.
[0027] In the example of FIG. 1, the housing 20 is a member having
an approximately box-like shape, and includes the pulse wave
detecting section 22, and a biometric information calculating
section (not shown) which calculates biometric information such as
the heart rate, the pulse rate, or the blood pressure value based
on the pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detecting section
22.
[0028] The biometric information calculating section may be
disposed in an apparatus other than the biometric information
measurement device 10. Namely, the housing 20 of the biometric
information measurement device 10 may need to have at least the
pulse wave detecting section 22. In this case, the biometric
information measurement device 10 functions as the pulse wave
detector.
[0029] The surface (the surface opposed to the wrist W) of the
housing 20 which, in the case where the biometric information
measurement device 10 is attached to the wrist W, is opposed to the
wrist W constitutes a detection surface 21. The detection surface
21 may have an approximately flat shape, or a part or the whole of
the surface may be arcuate so as to extend along the outer shape of
the wrist W. The pulse wave detecting section 22 is disposed in a
position which is opposed to the radial artery TD in a state where
the detection surface 21 is opposed to the wrist W.
[0030] In the housing 20, the surface (the opposite surface)
opposite to the detection surface 21 constitutes a display surface
23. In the display surface 23, a displaying portion 24 configured
by a liquid crystal display device or the like for displaying
measurement results, and an operating section 25 for operating the
biometric information measurement device 10 are disposed. The
positions where the displaying portion 24 and the operating section
25 are respectively disposed are not limited to those shown in FIG.
1. A configuration where the displaying portion 24 is omitted may
be employed.
[0031] A first engaging portion 29 is disposed on a first end
portion 28 (in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, an end surface of the
housing 20 on the side of the ulna S) which is one of end portions
of the housing 20 on the side of the ulna S in the circumferential
direction of the wrist W. The first engaging portion 29 is disposed
on the first end portion 28, and on the side of the display surface
23. Namely, the first engaging portion 29 is disposed on a part
which is in the first end portion 28, and which is on the side that
is close to the display surface 23 in the case where the housing 20
is divided into halves in a direction perpendicular to the display
surface 23. Alternatively, the first engaging portion 29 may be
disposed on the first end portion 28, and on the side of the
detection surface 21.
[0032] A second engaging portion 27 is disposed on a second end
portion 26 (in the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, an end surface of the
housing 20 on the side of the radius T) which is one of end
portions of the housing 20 on the side of the radius T in the
circumferential direction of the wrist W.
[0033] The first engaging portion 29 and the second engaging
portion 27 are used for causing the band 40 to engage with the
housing 20. Each of the first engaging portion 29 and the second
engaging portion 27 has a shape that has a hole portion into which
the band 40 can be inserted.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a view of the vicinity of the first engaging
portion 29 of the biometric information measurement device 10 shown
in FIG. 2, as seen from the side of the display surface 23 of the
housing 20.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the first engaging portion 29 is
configured by a member which is erected from the first end portion
28 of the housing 20, and which has a shape approximately similar
to a Greek character .PI., and a hole portion 31 is formed between
this member and the first end portion 28 of the housing 20. The
band 40 can be inserted into the hole portion 31. The second
engaging portion 27 is configured in a similar manner to the first
engaging portion 29.
[0036] The first engaging portion 29 may need to be disposed on the
first end portion 28, and may be disposed on the display surface 23
of the first end portion 28, on the detection surface 21 of the
first end portion 28, or the like.
[0037] The second engaging portion 27 may need to be disposed on
the second end portion 26, and may be disposed on the display
surface 23 of the second end portion 26, on the detection surface
21 of the second end portion 26, or the like.
[0038] The band 40 is configured to be wound around the wrist W in
a state where one end is engaged with the housing 20 (routed so as
to form a state where the wrist W is sandwiched between the band 40
and the housing 20), so as to maintain the state where the pulse
wave detecting section 22 is opposed to the radial artery TD.
[0039] For example, the band 40 is a strip-like member which is
lower in rigidity than the housing 20. As the material of the band
40, for example, cloth, leather, rubber, thin resin, or the like
may be used. Therefore, the band 40 can be easily folded back.
[0040] A basal end portion 41 which constitutes one end of the band
40 in the longitudinal direction is detachably engaged with the
first engaging portion 29 which is disposed on the first end
portion 28.
[0041] Specifically, the basal end portion 41 of the band 40 is
inserted into the hole portion 31 of the first engaging portion 29,
in a direction from the side of the detection surface 21 toward the
display surface 23. The basal end portion 41 which has passed
through the hole portion 31 is folded back in an approximately
U-like shape in a direction to be separated from the housing 20. A
hook and loop fastener 42 is formed on the surface of the
non-folded back part of the basal end portion 41 and directed in
the direction opposite to the housing 20, and the surface of the
folded back part of the basal end portion 41 and directed to the
housing 20. Because of the hook and loop fastener 42, the folded
back part of the basal end portion 41 is detachably engaged with
the band 40.
[0042] The hook and loop fastener 42 is an engagement member for
causing the basal end portion 41 to detachably engage with the band
40. Incidentally, a configuration may be employed where, in the
state shown in FIG. 2, a convex portion or concave portion which is
disposed on the surface of the folded back part of the basal end
portion 41 and directed to the housing 20 is fitted into a concave
portion or convex portion which is disposed on the surface of the
non-folded back part of the basal end portion 41 and directed in
the direction opposite to the housing 20, whereby the basal end
portion 41 is detachably engaged with the band 40.
[0043] In this case, the concave portion and the convex portion
constitute the engagement member. Alternatively, the non-folded
back part and folded back part of the basal end portion 41 may be
completely secured to each other by an adhesive agent, sewing, or
the like. Namely, the basal end portion 41 may be non-detachably
engaged with the first engaging portion 29.
[0044] An arbitrary position 44 between the basal end portion 41 of
the band 40 which is engaged with the first engaging portion 29,
and a tip end portion 43 which is the end portion that is opposite
in the longitudinal direction to the basal end portion 41 of the
band 40 is engaged in the state where the band is folded back in a
direction to be separated from the housing 20, in the second
engaging portion 27 that is disposed on the second end portion 26
of the housing 20.
[0045] Specifically, in the band 40 which is engaged with the first
engaging portion 29, the tip end portion 43 is inserted into the
hole portion of the second engaging portion 27 from the side of the
detection surface 21 toward the display surface 23. The band 40
which is inserted into the hole portion of the second engaging
portion 27 is folded back in the arbitrary position 44 in an
approximately U-like shape in a direction to be separated from the
housing 20. In the state where the tip end portion 43 of the folded
back band 40 overlaps with the first end portion 28 in the
circumferential direction of the wrist W, the tip end portion 43 is
engaged with the basal end portion 41 with a hook and loop fastener
45 which is formed on the surfaces of the basal end portion 41 and
tip end portion 43 of the band 40.
[0046] The hook and loop fastener 45 is an engagement member for
causing the tip end portion 43 to detachably engage with the basal
end portion 41.
[0047] Incidentally, a configuration may be employed where, in the
state shown in FIG. 2, a convex portion or concave portion which is
disposed on the surface of the tip end portion 43 and directed to
the housing 20 is fitted into a concave portion or convex portion
which is disposed on the surface of the basal end portion 41 and
directed in the direction opposite to the housing 20, whereby the
tip end portion 43 is detachably engaged with the basal end portion
41. In this case, the concave portion and the convex portion
constitute the engagement member.
[0048] An example of a method of attaching the thus configured
biometric information measurement device 10 to the wrist W will be
described.
[0049] Firstly, the measurement subject makes the basal end portion
41 of the band 40 pass through the hole portion 31 of the first
engaging portion 29 of the housing 20 from the side of the
detection surface 21 toward the display surface 23. Then, the
measurement subject makes the basal end portion 41 which has passed
through the hole portion 31, to be folded back in the direction to
be separated from the housing 20 to be engaged with the band 40
through the hook and loop fastener 42. As a result, the basal end
portion 41 is engaged with the first engaging portion 29.
[0050] Next, the measurement subject makes the tip end portion 43
of the band 40 pass through the hole portion of the second engaging
portion 27 of the housing 20 from the side of the detection surface
21 toward the display surface 23, and folds back the band 40 which
has passed through the hole portion of the second engaging portion
27, in the direction to be separated from the housing 20. As a
result, the arbitrary position 44 of the band 40 is engaged with
the second engaging portion 27. In this state, the measurement
subject makes the arm pass through a space interposed between a
portion between the basal end portion 41 and arbitrary position 44
of the band 40, and the detection surface 21.
[0051] After the measurement subject positions the housing 20 so
that the pulse wave detecting section 22 is opposed to the radial
artery TD, then, the measurement subject wounds the tip end portion
43 of the band 40 around the wrist W, and pulls up the tip end
portion 43 to the vicinity of the first end portion 28 while
directing from the hand back side to the palm side, i.e., from the
side of the detection surface 21 toward the display surface 23.
[0052] The measurement subject adjusts the force of pulling the tip
end portion 43 of the band 40, so as to cause the housing 20 to be
in close contact with the wrist W at an adequate pressure. In this
state, the measurement subject makes the tip end portion 43 of the
band 40 overlap with the basal end portion 41 engaged with the
first engaging portion 29 to be engaged with the basal end portion
41 through the hook and loop fastener 42.
[0053] At this time, the tip end portion 43 of the band 40 is
engaged in a state where the tip end is directed from the detection
surface 21 of the housing 20 toward the display surface 23. In
other words, the tip end portion 43 of the band 40 is engaged with
the basal end portion 41 in a state where the position of the tip
end of the tip end portion 43 in a direction in which the detection
surface 21 and display surface 23 of the housing 20 are juxtaposed
(the vertical direction in FIG. 2) is on the side of the display
surface 23 with respect to the position of the detection surface 21
of the housing 20 in this direction.
[0054] According to the biometric information measurement device
10, as described above, the tip end portion 43 of the band 40 is
engaged in the state where the tip end is directed from the side of
the detection surface 21 of the housing 20 toward the display
surface 23. Therefore, a force which is applied to the wrist W when
the band 40 is pulled is facilitated to evenly act on the side of
the thumb and on the side of the little finger, and it is possible
to prevent positional displacement of the pulse wave detecting
section 22 from being caused. The attachment of the biometric
information measurement device 10 can be performed while the back
of the hand on a table remains to be opposed to the table surface.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent positional displacement of the
pulse wave detecting section 22 due to a motion of raising the hand
from the table, from occurring.
[0055] According to the biometric information measurement device
10, as shown in FIG. 2, the housing 20 is secured to the wrist W in
the state where the band 40 is doubly wound around the wrist W. In
this manner, the wrist W can be covered by the double portions of
the band 40, and therefore it is possible to prevent positional
displacement of the housing 20 from occurring after attachment of
the biometric information measurement device 10.
[0056] During attachment of the biometric information measurement
device 10, the band 40 can be fastened in the state where the wrist
W is inserted into the space interposed between the housing 20 and
the band 40, and the housing 20 is positioned. As compared with the
case where the band 40 is singly wound, therefore, the biometric
information measurement device 10 can be easily attached. Moreover,
the accuracy of positioning the pulse wave detecting section 22 can
be improved.
[0057] Preferably, a configuration may be employed where the
friction coefficient of the surface of the band 40 opposite to the
side which is in contact with the wrist W is smaller than that of
the surface on the side which is in contact with the wrist W.
[0058] According to the configuration, when the band 40 which is
folded back in the second engaging portion 27 is to be wound around
the wrist W, the band 40 easily slips over a portion of the band 40
which has been already wound around the wrist W. Therefore, the
fastening manner of the band 40 can be easily adjusted, and the
attachability and the accuracy of positioning the pulse wave
detecting section 22 can be improved. With respect to the surface
which is in contact with the wrist W, moreover, the band 40 and the
wrist W hardly slip over each other, and therefore it is possible
to prevent positional displacement of the housing 20 from occurring
after attachment of the biometric information measurement device
10.
[0059] The biometric information measurement device 10 has the
configuration where the first engaging portion 29 is disposed on
the first end portion 28 and on the side of the display surface 23.
According to the configuration, when the wrist W on a table is
turned from a state where, for example, the back of the hand is
directed to the table surface, toward the side of the little
finger, the first engaging portion 29 is hardly contacted with the
table surface. Therefore, a superior usability is obtained, and
positional displacement of the pulse wave detecting section 22 can
be prevented from occurring.
[0060] The biometric information measurement device 10 has the
configuration where the basal end portion 41 of the band 40 is
detachably engaged with the first engaging portion 29. According to
the configuration, the band 40 can be completely detached from the
housing 20. In the case where the band 40 is contaminated with
human sweat or external environment (dust, scratch, or the like),
therefore, this situation can be dealt with by replacement of the
band 40.
[0061] The diameter and shape of the wrist of the measurement
subject are different among individuals. When the band 40 is
replaceable, a configuration may be possible where, for example, a
plurality of kinds of bands 40 are selectively used in accordance
with the measurement subject. As a result, regardless of individual
variations, it is possible to realize superior attachability.
[0062] The biometric information measurement device 10 has the
configuration where the basal end portion 41 of the band 40 is
engaged with the first engaging portion 29 in the state where the
basal end portion is folded back to be separated from the housing
20. According to the configuration, a work of detaching the band 40
from the housing 20 is easily performed, and the usability can be
improved.
[0063] The biometric information measurement device 10 has the
configuration where the tip end portion 43 of the band 40 is
engaged with the basal end portion 41 on the side of the ulna S in
the wrist W. The measurement subject performs a work of routing the
band 40 with using the right hand. Therefore, the engagement of the
tip end portion 43 of the band 40 can be performed on the side of
the ulna S where the right hand exists, whereby attachment of the
biometric information measurement device 10 can be easily
performed.
[0064] The biometric information measurement device 10 has the
configuration where the tip end portion 43 of the band 40 is
engaged with the basal end portion 41 with the hook and loop
fastener 45. According to the configuration, the function of the
hook and loop fastener 45 facilitates adjustment of the winding
force of the band 40. Therefore, the attachability can be
improved.
[0065] FIG. 4 is a side view of a biometric information measurement
device 11 which is a modification of the biometric information
measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the side of the
elbow of the left hand of the measurement subject. In FIG. 4,
portions which are in common with the biometric information
measurement device 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals,
and duplicated description is omitted.
[0066] In the biometric information measurement device 11, the
folding-back direction of the basal end portion 41 of the band 40
is opposite to that in the biometric information measurement device
10. The tip end portion 43 of the band 40 is engaged on the surface
which is in the non-folded back part of the basal end portion 41,
and which is directed in the direction opposite to the housing 20.
The other configuration is identical with that of the biometric
information measurement device 10.
[0067] Specifically, the basal end portion 41 of the band 40 of the
biometric information measurement device 11 passes through the hole
portion 31 of the first engaging portion 29 which is disposed on
the first end portion 28 of the housing 20, from the side of the
display surface 23 toward the detection surface 21. Then, the
folded back part of the basal end portion 41 is engaged with the
non-folded back part of the basal end portion 41 with the hook and
loop fastener 42.
[0068] The tip end portion 43 of the band 40 of the biometric
information measurement device 11 is engaged with the basal end
portion 41 with the hook and loop fastener 45, at a position where
the portion overlaps with the first end portion 28 in the
circumferential direction of the wrist W.
[0069] According to the biometric information measurement device
11, the part of the basal end portion 41 with which the tip end
portion 43 of the band 40 is engaged has an approximately flat
surface. Therefore, a work of attaching or detaching the tip end
portion 43 can be easily performed.
[0070] The biometric information measurement device 11 has the
configuration where the basal end portion 41 of the band 40 is
engaged with the first engaging portion 29 in a state where the
basal end portion is folded back in a direction approaching the
housing 20. When the engagement state of the tip end portion 43
with respect to the basal end portion 41 is to be released,
therefore, the engagement state between the parts of the basal end
portion 41 is hardly released. Consequently, the engagement state
of the basal end portion 41 with respect to the first engaging
portion 29 can be stably maintained.
[0071] FIG. 5 is a side view of a biometric information measurement
device 12 which is a modification of the biometric information
measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the side of the
elbow of the left hand of the measurement subject. In FIG. 5,
portions which are in common with the biometric information
measurement device 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals,
and duplicated description is omitted.
[0072] In the biometric information measurement device 12, the
above-described first engaging portion 29 is not disposed on the
first end portion 28 of the housing 20. Instead, the basal end
portion 41 of the band 40 of the biometric information measurement
device 12 is engaged with the first end portion 28 through a hook
and loop fastener 42A. In the biometric information measurement
device 12, the hook and loop fastener 42A which is formed on the
first end portion 28 constitutes the first engaging portion.
[0073] The hook and loop fastener 42A is an engagement member for
detachably engaging the basal end portion 41 to the first end
portion 28. Instead of the hook and loop fastener 42A, the
above-described concavo-convex structure may be employed.
[0074] The tip end portion 43 of the band 40 of the biometric
information measurement device 12 is detachably engaged through the
hook and loop fastener 45 with the surface of the basal end portion
41 which is engaged with the first end portion 28, the surface
being directed in the direction opposite to the housing 20.
[0075] The other configuration is similar to that of the biometric
information measurement device 10.
[0076] According to the biometric information measurement device
12, the part of the basal end portion 41 with which the tip end
portion 43 of the band 40 is engaged has an approximately flat
surface. Therefore, a work of attaching or detaching the tip end
portion 43 can be easily performed.
[0077] In the biometric information measurement device 12,
alternatively, the basal end portion 41 may be non-detachably
engaged with the first end portion 28 by adhesion, screws, or the
like. According to the configuration, the engagement state of the
basal end portion 41 can be stably maintained.
[0078] FIG. 6 is a side view of a biometric information measurement
device 13 which is a modification of the biometric information
measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 1, as seen from the side of the
elbow of the left hand of the measurement subject. In FIG. 6,
portions which are in common with those of the biometric
information measurement device 12 are denoted by the same reference
numerals, and duplicated description is omitted.
[0079] The biometric information measurement device 13 is
configured in the same manner as the biometric information
measurement device 12 shown in FIG. 5 except that the tip end
portion 43 of the band 40 is engaged with the first end portion 28
of the housing 20 with a hook and loop fastener 45A.
[0080] The tip end portion 43 of the band 40 of the biometric
information measurement device 13 is engaged with the first end
portion 28 with the hook and loop fastener 45A in a state where the
tip end portion overlaps with the basal end portion 41 in the
circumferential direction of the wrist W.
[0081] The hook and loop fastener 45A is an engagement member for
causing the tip end portion 43 to detachably engage with the first
end portion 28. Instead of the hook and loop fastener 45A, the
above-described concavo-convex structure may be employed.
[0082] The biometric information measurement device 13 can attain
effects similar to those of the biometric information measurement
device 12. According to the biometric information measurement
device 13, when the engagement state of the tip end portion 43 with
respect to the housing 20 is to be cancelled, it is possible to
easily prevent the engagement state between the basal end portion
41 and the housing 20 from being cancelled.
[0083] The biometric information measurement device 13 may be
configured so that the hook and loop fastener 45A is extended onto
the display surface 23, and the tip end portion 43 of the band 40
is engaged with the housing 20 by two surfaces or the end surface
of the housing 20 and the display surface 23. According to the
configuration, it is possible to prevent the vicinity of the tip
end of the tip end portion 43 from being in a free state, and the
beauty of the device can be improved. Moreover, it is possible to
prevent the tip end portion 43 of the band 40 from peeling off
after attachment of the biometric information measurement device
10.
[0084] Although the examples in which the body portion of the
biometric information measurement device 10 is configured by the
single housing 20 have been described, the configuration is not
limited thereto. FIG. 7 is a view showing a modification of the
body portion of the biometric information measurement device 10. In
FIG. 7, configurations which are identical with those of FIG. 2 are
denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0085] The body portion 100 of the biometric information
measurement device 10 shown in FIG. 7 is configured by: the
above-described housing 20; a housing 20B; and a coupling portion
20C which swingably couples together the housing 20 and the housing
20B, such as a hinge. In the example of FIG. 7, for example, the
housing 20B accommodates batteries or the like for driving the
biometric information measurement device 10.
[0086] The body portion 100 has a longitudinal shape which extends
along the circumferential direction of the wrist, as a whole, and a
shape which is opened at least on the side of the ulna S in the
wrist. The body portion 100 has a configuration where, in a state
where the body portion is attached to the wrist with the band 40,
the portion between the end portions in the circumferential
direction of the wrist does not cover the wrist at a degree that a
part of the band 40 is in contact with the wrist.
[0087] In the example of FIG. 7, an end portion which is one of the
end portions of the housing 20B on the side opposite to the housing
20 in the circumferential direction of the wrist constitutes the
above-described second end portion 26, and the second engaging
portion 27 is formed on the second end portion 26.
[0088] The above-disclosed embodiment should be considered in all
respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the
present invention is represented by the appended claims rather than
the foregoing description, and all changes within the meaning and
range of equivalents thereof are intended to be covered
therein.
[0089] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in
the specification.
[0090] The disclosed pulse wave detector is used while being
attached to a wrist of a measurement subject and includes: a body
portion which includes a detecting section configured to detect a
pulse wave from a radial artery of the measurement subject; a band
which is configured to be wound around the wrist in a state where
the band is engaged with the body portion, so as to maintain a
state where the detecting section is opposed to the radial artery;
a first engaging portion which is disposed on a first end portion
that is one of end portions of the body portion on a side of an
ulna of the wrist in a circumferential direction of the wrist, and
with which a basal end portion in a longitudinal direction of the
band is engaged; a second engaging portion which is disposed on a
second end portion that is one of the end portions of the body
portion on a side of a radius of the wrist in the circumferential
direction, and with which an arbitrary position in the longitudinal
direction of the band engaged with the first engaging portion is
engaged in a state where the band is folded back in a direction to
be separated from the body portion; and an engagement member which
is configured to cause a tip end portion in the longitudinal
direction of the band to be engaged with the basal end portion or
the first end portion in a state where the basal end portion
engaged with the first engaging portion and the tip end portion of
the band engaged with the second engaging portion overlap with each
other, wherein the tip end portion is engaged with the basal end
portion or the first end portion through the engagement member in a
state where a tip end of the tip end portion is directed from a
side of an opposed surface of the body portion to the wrist, to a
side of a surface of the body portion which is opposite to the
opposed surface.
[0091] In the disclosed pulse wave detector, the first engaging
portion includes a .PI.-shaped member with which the basal end
portion is engaged in a folded back state and disposed on the first
end portion and on the side of the opposite surface.
[0092] In the disclosed pulse wave detector, the basal end portion
of the band is folded back in the first engaging portion to be
stacked and a stacked state is releasable.
[0093] In the disclosed pulse wave detector, the basal end portion
of the band is engaged in a state of being folded back in a
direction to be separated from the first end portion.
[0094] In the disclosed pulse wave detector, the detecting section
is configured to detect a pressure pulse wave from the radial
artery by using a pressure detecting element.
[0095] The disclosed biometric information measurement device
includes: the above pulse wave detector; and a biometric
information calculating section which is configured to calculate
biometric information based on the pulse wave detected by the
detecting section.
[0096] Accordingly, it is possible to provide a pulse wave detector
which can accurately detect a pulse wave while realizing superior
attachability and preventing positional displacement of a pulse
wave detecting section with respect to the radial artery from
occurring, and also a biological information measurement device
including the detector.
[0097] The pulse wave detector of the present invention is
effective particularly in application to a portable blood pressure
monitor or the like.
[0098] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to the specific embodiment, the present invention is not
limited to the embodiment, and various changes can be made without
departing from the technical concept of the disclosed
invention.
* * * * *